There are many places around the globe where a traveler can wander through pristine forests, take in the grandeur of breathtaking mountains or leisurely stroll alongside a beach seemingly hundreds of miles from civilization. Despite their isolation, thousands of remote tropical islands, along with vast Arctic landscapes and rugged alpine settlements, beckon to adventurous travelers all over the world. Here are five of the most remote places on Earth that all travelers should visit at least once.

3. Pitcairn Islands
The Pitcairn Islands may be small, but they compensate for their size with a plethora of amazing sights. Scuba divers can explore the wreck of the HMS Bounty, infamously set ablaze by mutineers in 1790. Visitors can also relax on the beaches of Onoe Island, ride ATVs with local guides, swim alongside tropical fish at St. Paul’s Pool, and browse a selection of locally made souvenirs. Birdwatchers will enjoy the archipelago’s rich avian diversity – Henderson Island is home to four bird species not found anywhere else on the planet.

© Denis Bin

4. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
With its tongue-twisting name and harsh climate, Ittoqqortoormiit may be the most remote town in Greenland but it is an adventurer’s dream come true. Visitors can regularly travel by dogsled across the vast Arctic landscape, while during the summer, the area is a favorite with kayakers paddling through the fjords to the pristine wilderness of Cape Hope and Cape Tobin. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy sighting Arctic foxes, musk oxen, wolves, polar bears and caribou at nearby Northeast Greenland National Park. After a long day of exploration, visitors can relax in the town’s hot springs and admire the Northern Lights at night.

© Ser Snarkish

5. Tibetan Plateau, China
The vast Tibetan Plateau in southwestern China encompasses a greater area than Alaska and Texas combined. The region plays host to a wide array of breathtaking scenery, including crystalline lakes, towering mountains and glaciers as far as the eye can see. In addition, the Tibetan capital of Lhasa is home to many ancient temples and monasteries. Lhasa’s charming tea houses allow tourists to enjoy a hot cup of tea alongside locals after a long day of sightseeing, for an immersive cultural experience. Undoubtedly, the Tibetan Plateau takes travel to new heights.

© Kaboem

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Cover photo © Ser Snarkish